Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet

Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), Nikolai Lugansky (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Nikolai Lugansky
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (April 27, 2004)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Classics
• ASIN: B0001GCMDG
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,693 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I. Allegro Moderato

2. II. Allegretto

3. III. Tempo Di Valzer Lentissimo

4. IV. Vivace

5. I. Allegro Molto Sostenuto

6. II. Andante Assai

7. III. Allegro Con Brio, Ma Non Leggiere

8. I. Folk Dance

9. II. Scene

10. III. Minuet

11. IV. The Young Juliet

12. V. Masks

13. VI. The Montagues And Capulets

14. VII. Father Lorenzo

15. VIII. Mercutio

16. IX. Lily dance Of The Maidens

17. X. Romeo Bids Juliet Farewell

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Lugansky's Prokofiev is a winner: three major works played with virtuosity, power and, where necessary, delicacy, along with scrupulous attention to the score. The Sixth is the first of the composer’s "War" Sonatas, premiered in 1940. The aggressive rhythmic opening gives way to a quiet theme, the entire movement permeated with an agitated restlessness well captured by the pianist. In the middle movements he creates the right atmosphere, infusing the slow waltz with premonitions on disaster. The propulsive, driving finale, like the virtuosic finale of the Fourth Sonata, is done with spectacular accuracy at supersonic speeds---thrilling rides, both. He's as good in the somber opening movements of the Fourth. And in the longest work on the disc, Lugansky nails each of the ten pieces Prokofiev transcribed from his Romeo and Juliet ballet score. There's jaunty swagger in "Masks," playfulness in "Minuet," gossamer pianism in "Lily Dance." The finale, drawn from several scenes, is quietly moving. A treasurable disc. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Firebrand of a Pianist Completely in His Realm with Prokofiev, September 1, 2005

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet (Audio CD)

Nikolai Lugansky is one terrific keyboard sensation. He plays Prokofiev's unforgivingly difficult piano scores as though they were simplicity itself. Lugansky is in control of the entire keyboard, keeping the far reaches of bass and treble pulsating with energy while he finds the poetry in the inner keys. The effect of his mastery of this literature is astonishing.

In both of Prokofiev's Sonatas 4 and 6 Lugansky reveals a velocity and accuracy of attack that is ferocious while still able to be light and playful. His dynamic range is expansive (and the recorded sound is very helpful in displaying this!) and his pianistic technique is at al times matched by his interpretative insight. He finds Prokofiev's melodies in every phrase, melodies usually hidden by other less facile pianists' hands.

The additional bonus of episodes from Prokofiev's score for the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' further substantiates Lugansky's credentials as a peppery, wizardly, yet gently poetic artist. One doesn't miss the orchestral original in Lugansky's hands. This is a very special recording by a fine pianist becoming better known on the stage today. Especially after this recording! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible sound, incredible performance, September 14, 2007

By 

James Grote (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet (Audio CD)

First of all, this is a very well recorded cd. The piano sound is incredible detailed and rich. Secondly, the performance is excellent, richly emotional befitting the music's underlying theme.

What got me to buy was hearing Montagues and Capulets on xmradio one day. That song in particular sounds great on piano.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Prokofiev, July 18, 2011

By 

Jay "El Petirojo Cantando" (Marblehead, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet (Audio CD)

These recordings were revelatory for me. I found the 4th piano sonata to be particularly stunning, exquisite. Dan Davis and Grady Harp are right on. Previously, Sonata 6 was never one of my favorites. This recording changed that. Lugansky's effortless virtuosity goes right to the heart of this amazing music. But his astonishing technique serves this music honestly without overtly drawing attention to itself. This pianist definitely has something important and original to say. I look forward to a Lugansky Prokofiev concerto cycle. As I submit this, the Amazon.us site states that this cd is "currently unavailable". Fortunately this disc is available from Amazon vendors at very reasonable prices.